Surgeon, Author Dorr to give lecture

A free lecture by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Lawrence Dorr, M.D. and sponsored by the Glendale Public Library, Glendale Healthy Kids and the Friends of the Glendale Public Library takes place at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium today, Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m.

Dorr is the author of the historical novel “Die Once, Live Twice” that combines a physician’s skill, intellect and knowledge of medicine with wonderful storytelling, creating a book that celebrates the origins and miracle of modern medicine.

“Die Once Live Twice” is an epic page-turner that begins in Philadelphia before the Civil War and carries readers through to the eve of World War II, bringing to life the drama of scientific discovery and the extraordinary achievements of modern medicine from its early days to the pioneering use of vaccinations, never-before performed surgeries, and finally to the discovery of penicillin.

Dorr is an internationally respected orthopedic surgeon, one of only two surgeons to be president of all three prestigious knee and hip replacement societies. He was honored in 2005 by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons as Humanitarian of the Year for founding Operation Walk, which provides pro bono surgeries in the developing world.

He and his wife Marilyn live in La Cañada and he practices at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

Glendale Central Library Auditorium, 222 E. Harvard St, Glendale

 


Meditation Classes Offered

Kadampa Meditation Center California is a non-profit organization that offers meditation classes to help people find inner peace and happiness. Currently, Kadampa Meditation Center California is offering an eight week course in La Cañada and Glendale titled “Freedom from Stress, Frustration & Anger.”

In May, the mediation class titled “Happiness from a Different Source” takes place on Fridays and Sundays.

On Friday, May  18 & 25 the class takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, 1930 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada. The cost is $5.

On Sunday, May 20 & 27 classes are from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Griffith Manor Park Building, 1551 Flower St. in Glendale. The cost is $10.

Call (323) 223-0610 or visit MeditateInLA.org.

Caltech Glee Club and Orchestra to Perform

The combined forces of the Caltech Glee Club, conductor Nancy Sulahian and the Caltech Orchestra conductor Allen Robert Gross present Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” in Ramo Auditorium on May 18 and May 19 at 8 p.m. Featured soloists are soprano Deborah Mayhan, tenor Eric Hanson, and baritone Steven Chemtob. Allen Robert Gross will conduct both performances.  Both evenings will have the same program. 
Admission to the concerts is free. Attendees are encouraged to come on Friday, as capacity audiences are expected Saturday.

For more information, call Caltech’s Performing and Visual Arts office at (626) 395-3295 or visit music.caltech.edu.

Young Talent to Perform in Broadway Recital

Tammy Flanders of Tammy’s Music announces her spring “Broadway Recital” on May 19 at 6 p.m. The recital will be held at First Baptist Church at La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta, in the main auditorium.

This recital will feature students from 6 years of age through adults performing numbers from various Broadway musicals including “Les Miserable,” “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific” and others.

This is a full production that includes costumes, lights, and make-up.  Flanders has been teaching voice and piano for over 30 years and some of her students and has recently opened a studio in La Crescenta. Flanders’ students have gone on to study at Julliard, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Chapman University School of Music, Biola University and University of Southern California. Many have earned many awards and have performed in local, school and professional productions.

For more information call (909) 228-5003.

Health & Wellness Fair

More than 25 businesses will be offering expertise, advice or retail booths at the Health & Wellness Fair on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Belmont Village Senior Living in Burbank. There will be free health checks with mobile optometry, dentistry, bone density and more. Stop by for senior-specific services or for fun items such as custom jewelry, clothing and accessories. Free popcorn, snow cones and other treats.

Participants include Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Glendale MRI Institute, Lumina Healthcare, Advanced Eyecare, Stretch in Time Yoga and more.

 RSVP to (818) 972-2405.

Belmont Village Senior Living, 455 E. Angeleno Ave. in Burbank.

Moonday Announces Guests

Moonday East continues its successful run with Jane Alynn and Wayne Allen LeVine on Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m. at the Flintridge Bookstore in La Cañada. The East Side reading usually occurs on the third Sunday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May’s reading is an exception. There will be a feature and open mic. Come early to sign up for the open reading.

Jane Alynn is a poet, essayist, and fine art photographer. Originally from Portland, Ore. she has lived many places before returning to her beloved northwest, making Seattle her home. She earned an MFA in creative writing/poetry from Antioch Los Angeles and moved to Anacortes, Wash. where she currently lives. Alynn is the author of two collections of poems and has been the recipient of a William Stafford Award from Washington Poets Association (2004), and her poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies.

Wayne Allen LeVine, originally from Chicago, is a writer, poet, philosopher, storyteller, and author of two books of poems. His latest book ‘Insights of an Ordinary Man,” is a collection of autobiographical vignettes, inspired essays, and delightfully spiced with but a few scattered poems – was officially launched in mid-December 2011, becoming an Amazon.com best seller, securing a top 20 spot within the top-100 in the nation.

Moonday is hosted by Alice Pero and Lois P. Jones. Find future features at: www.moondaypoetry.com.

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway.  For more information, call (818) 790-0717.

CAÑADA CRESCENTA DEMOCRATIC CLUB

Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club is hosting Congress member Judy Chu and state assembly member Carol Liu at their next meeting on May 20  from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will be the final candidate presentation prior to the June primary.

The discussion is “The Dawn of a New Era” focusing on the changing districts, the legislative climate in Sacramento and Washington and the priorities these officials have for this region. There is no charge to attend. Members and newcomers are welcome.

Location details and a list of the club endorsements are available at: canadacrescentadems.org.

African violet society meeting

The African Violet Society of Montrose will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada/Flintridge. For more information, call (818) 949-4200.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

THE AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

(ABWA) Verdugo Glen chapter dinner and business meeting is Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Glendale Elks Lodge in Glendale.

The speaker is Dr. Kella Price, owner of Price Consulting, who will present the program, “The Way to Growth Social Media.”  Dinner cost is $20.

For information and reservations call (818) 548-1525 or (818) 512-4079.

Glendale Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado, Glendale

 


Memorial Day Ceremony

The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. is hosting a Memorial Day commemoration on Monday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Vietnam War Memorial at the corner of Ocean View and Honolulu. The brief ceremony honors those who have given their lives in military service to their country.

 


Ribbon Cutting Scheduled

There will be a ribbon cutting for Voi Voda Labs at Wednesday, May 30 at 4 p.m.   This is a free event open to the public. There will be refreshments.

For more information, call the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce at (818) 248-4957.

Voi Voda Labs at 3501 Ocean View Blvd., Glendale 91208.

 


GCC SCHOLARSHIP EVENT HONORS ASSEMBLYMEMBER

The Glendale Community College AB 540 (California Dream Act) Support Committee is honoring Assembly member Anthony J. Portantino at a scholarship fundraising event on Sunday, June 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the home of Jeanette and Marc Stirdivant.

Assembly member Portantino has been a longtime supporter of GCC and an advocate for student access to affordable community college education.  The event honors him for his service to higher education, celebrates the California Dream Act and raises money for the college’s AB 540 students, who will not see benefits from the Dream Act until spring 2013.

For information or to RSVP to the event, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5571.

Mc Groarty History shared

The next meeting of the Little Landers Historical Society will present the history of the McGroarty family. From humble beginnings in Foster Township, Penn. to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, John McGroarty’s life was interesting and unusual. He was a teacher, journalist, editor, Justice of the Peace, county treasurer, attorney, California’s poet laureate and congressman. His wife Ida was quiet and logical, keeping her husband grounded.

McGroarty made widespread contributions both on a local and state level. At the June 9 meeting of the Little Landers Historical Society, presenter Regina Clark will give a presentation on the history of the McGroarty family.

All are invited to the free program at 1 p.m. at Bolton Hall Museum.

Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga

Henning Guest of Sierra Club

The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club presents, Carol Henning’s French Polynesia, on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles County Public Library in La Crescenta. Enter on La Crescenta Avenue for the meeting room and parking.

Henning is a member of the Sierra Club and made her trip to French Polynesia specifically to see the solar eclipse.  While there she visited some of the most scenic islands in the world.

Join us as we travel to Bali Hi, Papeete, Bora Bora and Rangira, to name a few.

The program begins following news of conservation and outings. Refreshments will be served. This program is free and available to everyone. Contact Wayne Fisher for more information at (818) 353-4181.

Los Angeles County Public Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.

Save the date

The Patrons’ Club of Glendale Community College will now be known as Patrons’ Club of Glendale Community College Foundation.

This year’s fashion show fundraiser will be held on Friday, Nov. 2 at the Castaway Restaurant in Burbank. The theme for the event will be “Education Through The Years” and all proceeds will go towards scholarships, grants-in-aid and emergency funds for deserving students.

Save the date and reserve early.  Price of the fundraiser luncheon will be $45.

GLEN MEM OFFERING WALK-A-DILE WALKING PROGRAM

Glendale memorial 50-plus walking club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. To 10 a.m. At the information table on the first floor of the eagle rock plaza.

Participants can walk in a safe environment free from the smog, heat, rain and cold!

For information, call (818) 502-2396.

Eagle rock plaza, 2700 Colorado Blvd., #230, Los Angeles

 


COFFEE GALLERY CALENDARS EVENTS

Coffee Gallery in Altadena hosts a variety of events every week.

Tuesdays are “Comedy Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All comics get to do a five-minute set. Performers range from those performing for the first time to seasoned professionals. Hosted by Scott Berger.

Thursday is “Artisan Alley” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Artisan Alley includes two featured musical acts, two musical open mics (open to anyone in the community), the works of a featured artist in the back room (art changes every two weeks), and a live DJ. Hosted by The Definition.

Friday is “Music Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Music open mic allows anyone in the community to come on stage and sing a song or play a tune. The sign-up sheet stays open throughout the night and everyone gets to perform twice. Rotating hosts.

Saturday is “Potlikker Showcase” from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  that offers an eclectic mix of musical performers, poets, spoken word readings, Americana music and a live DJ. Hosted by DJ Beatgozon.

Finally, Sundays are “Music Open Mic” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Music open mic allows anyone in the community to come on stage and sing a song or play a tune. The sign-up sheet stays open throughout the night and everyone gets to perform twice. Hosted by King.

For more information, call (626) 398.7917 or visit http://www.funkylittlecoffeehouse.com.

Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, Altadena

Education Classes for Parents of Special Needs Kids

The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA and the City of La Cañada are hosting parent and education classes for parents of children with special needs on Thursdays through June 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the CCY patio room.

This is a support resource for parents of children with special needs. Topics include neurobiological and psychological disorders along with issues that arise from parenting any child with special needs. Additional future topics will be scheduled.

To RSVP or for more information call (818) 790-0123 ext. 231.

Child watch available at no charge to YMCA facility members, $5 for non-members.

The CCY is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

CVHS CHORAL ALUMS WANTED

Former members of choral groups at Crescenta Valley High School are invited to take part in the CVHS Alumni Chorale. The group, composed of CVHS choral alumni men and women, rehearse once a week on Wednesdays from 7:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m., at the Glendale First United Methodist Church. The group performs for local civic groups and retirement homes in Pasadena, Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose and Duarte during the holiday season and again in the late spring/early summer. After the holiday season performances the group will resume rehearsals in the middle of January.

Anyone interested can contact Shirley Nute at shirleyb2@earthlink.net.

NATAL FITNESS CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE AT Y

The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is now hosting pre- and post-natal fitness classes and personal training sessions.  Studies have shown that going through labor and delivery is an athletic event for which you should train. The purpose of the natal fit program is to assist pregnant women in keeping a level of fitness that will optimize the outcome of the pregnancy.  Also, the benefits include more energy, fewer aches and pains, less weight gain and a faster labor.

The Natal Fit program is designed by Dawn Weyand, who is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  Weyand has specifically designed this program to optimize a woman’s pregnancy and give them and their baby a healthy beginning.

Both private and group sessions are available at the Y. For more information, contact Jim Netto at (818) 790-0123, ext. 243.